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With houses sitting on the market for months instead of weeks, differentiating your home from the pack is a must.

We’ve all heard the saying about getting just one chance to make a first impression. In the current real estate market, curb appeal can’t be ignored. Emotion can sell a home; if your exterior is not attractive, your home will become a drive-by.

Here are some tips to enhance your property’s curb appeal:

• Front entrance: The front door is the No. 1 exterior focal point of your home; it should reflect your personal style and enhance the exterior appearance of your home. Some houses have a very distinct architectural style, while others need style.

Most people do not select their front door; they make due with whatever the builders or previous owners have chosen. Leaving up a door that does not reflect your personal style denies you the opportunity to create that special curb appeal that stops traffic.

Your front door should work in harmony with your home’s architecture and property. Change your front door, and the entire look of your house will change. Your goal is to make people want to check out what is behind the doors, so coordinate the door style with your interior décor as well. The simplest wood door can be transformed into an eye-catching focal point with good quality hardware, house numbers and beautifully applied paint or stain.

To create a cohesive look, match your door hardware style and finish with your house numbers and lighting. If you have a contemporary home, satin nickel is a good choice. If your house is traditional in style, opt for oiled bronze, black or brass. 

Next, add some decorative sparkle by replacing old overhead and side light fixtures with an updated style and finish. Regardless of your budget, there are many options to give your front door character. Create symmetry by using matching fixtures and mounting them at the same height.

• Trim and railings: Crisp white trim molding — whether around a door, window or roof line — is a good way to highlight your architecture. Decorative porch railings and accent fencing also make it easy to delineate a space and add a finishing touch. As with other decorative improvements connected directly to the house, make sure the design, scale and material selections are all compatible with your home’s flavor.

Add personality with color, both with your trim and house paint. Routine maintenance will keep your home looking well cared for. Painted surfaces should be touched up when necessary. Periodic power washing of the exterior surface is a great way to keep your house looking clean, newer and up to date.

• Landscaping: Terraced gardens, well-tended flower beds, edged and mowed lawns, and carefully pruned bushes and trees all translate curb appeal. Flower boxes and container gardens are great for infusing seasonal color to your exterior and provide functional architectural elements. Container gardens can add interest to an otherwise blank space, and are perfect next to garage doors, walkways and front steps.

Don’t neglect to coordinate your mailbox with your home style. This is a small detail that should not be forgotten since it adds a nice touch. For a coordinated look, try painting your mailbox the same color as your front door and don’t forget to landscape near your mailbox. 

For evening drama, install exterior spot lighting to accent your architecture and any special landscaping details on your property that you think deserve emphasis.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.